Rain Barrel Workshops

A rain barrel is a rainwater collection system that stores rooftop runoff to be used later for activities such as watering your lawn and garden or washing your car.

Residential watering can account for 40% of domestic water consumption in a given area. Using a rain barrel may save the average homeowner up to 1,300 gallons of water during peak summer months. Collecting rainwater from your roof by using a rain barrel can not only lower your water bills, but also help to decrease summer water demand.

Rainwater collection and reuse is beneficial to the environment because the stored water would otherwise become stormwater runoff, bringing pollutants such as oil and grease, bacteria, and nutrients into our streams and rivers. Also, the more rainwater that is reused, the less need there is for chlorinated or chemically treated tap water.

The Herring Run Watershed Association offers monthly rain barrel workshops throughout the growing season where homeowners can build their very own rain barrel. Workshops are held at Halls Spring in Herring Run Park or, if there's enough interest from residents, in a local neighborhood. Workshops are approximately 2 hours long. Participants learn every aspect of rain barrel construction and installation, as well as get to socialize with like-minded neighbors.

The Baltimore Sun recently did an article and video on our rainbarrel program. The vidoe shows you how to make your own rain barrel, starring HRWA's Ashley Traut.

Drops in a bucket: Catching rainwater in a barrel can lead to savings for your wallet and can help save the environment (Baltimore Sun, June 28, 2008)

Please see our Event Calendar for upcoming workshops, or contact Ashley Traut at 410-254-1577 to arrange a workshop in your neighborhood.

We also have pre-assembled barrels for those of you who don't have the time to attend a workshop. Pre-assembled barrels can be purchased by completing our Rain Barrel Order Form and returning it to us along with a check made payable to "HRWA."